FAQs

Hawaii Yoga Retreat at Kalani

Questions and Answers for your Hawaii Yoga Retreat at Kalani

Where is Kalani?

Kalani is located on the Big Island in Hawaii. It’s located on the east side of the island, close to Hilo Airport.

Life is exuberant on Kalani’s 120 acres of organic agriculture, preserved heritage, and retreat accommodations. Exuberant in fiery lava, invigorating ocean, tropical foliage, and exuberant too with people celebrating the spirit of aloha.

Only five miles away, you’ll find easy access to lava fields where the lava flows down into the sea, and Volcano National Park is just a one-hour drive..We are blessed to be upwind, so we have no vog (volcanic smog) here, just the sweet, clean air of the Northeast Trades coming across thousands of miles of Pacific Ocean, considered to be the cleanest air on earth.

Visit our tropical conservation coast and center yourself at the haven Shiva Rea calls “one of the most potent and nurturing retreat centers in the world.”

How do I get to Kalani and what time should I arrive/depart?

Please arrive before 5:30pm to attend the first yoga class followed by dinner, if possible. Check in is at 4pm but if you arrive earlier you are welcome to relax before check-in.

Departure can be scheduled for anytime after breakfast, but please allow yourself as much time as possible to get to the airport early. It’s possible to book an earlier flight but we always urge guest to relax that morning and take a midday-evening flight!

Option 1: (BEST OPTION) Fly to Hilo International Airport (ITO)

Fly to Hilo International Airport, the closest airport to Kalani, from other island airports such as Honolulu on Oahu, Kahului on Maui, Lihue on Kauai, or Kona west of us.

Several flights are offered daily with Hawaiian Airlines (1-800-367-5320). There is one direct flight from Los Angeles everyday on United Airlines (1-800-864-8331).

Kalani offers convenient shuttles from Hilo, see below.

Option 2: Fly to Kona (KOA)

Kalani is a 2 1/2 – 3 hour scenic drive by car from Kona, halfway around the Island of Hawaii, “the Big Island”, via either the northern or southern routes, or the newly finished Saddle road passing Mauna Kea.

Be sure to check with airlines about their offerings of special car rental rates! We have provided directions, below.

How do I get to Kalani from the airport?

Kalani Shuttles

We offer transportation to and from Hilo International Airport (ITO) and locations in the local Hilo, Pahoa, and Kea’au areas. Kalani is only a 45 minute drive from Hilo. Call (808) 965 7828 or email us viareservations@kalani.com as soon as you have your final itinerary.

Rates to and from:

Hilo International Airport (ITO)
Hotels
Bus Stations

– $65 for one person, one way.
– $45 per person, one way, if there is more than one traveler. We try to combine reservations whenever possible.* A regular taxi costs about $125 one way from Hilo to Kalani.
* We do not provide transportation to Kona International Airport (KOA) at this time. Kalani is approximately 3 hours from Kona by car.

– $65 per person, one way.* We require the location, address, phone number, and any special directions that are needed to locate the destination, three days prior to your your shuttle date.

Bus

There is very limited public transportation via the Hele-On county bus that leaves from the downtown Hilo Bus Station (a few miles from the airport). This is a slow, but inexpensive option, that comes right to Kalani if you can coordinate your schedule. For more info visit the Hele-On bus website.

After mile-marker 20 there is a left-hand turn lane shortly after a large sign which says End of Road-1 mile. This important left turn is past a green church and in sight of the ocean. A sign will direct you either toKalapana or End of Road. Turn left towards Kalapana, then curve right.

Follow this short road to a stop sign at a T-junction and turn left onto Kalapana-Kapoho Rd/ Coastal Highway 137.

After about 5 miles, between the 17 and 18 mile-markers, and a half-mile beyond Kalapana Sea View Estates, Kalani will be on your left, marked with a lighted entrance sign.

Driving to Kalani from the Kona International Airport (KOA)

Kalani is a 2 1/2 – 3 hour scenic drive from Kona, halfway around the Island.

Make a left out of the airport and drive north on Route 19.

Continue on Route 19 through Waimea, down the Hamakua coast (still Route 19) until you get to Hilo.

Past the waterfront side of town, make a right onto Highway 11 at Ken’s House of Pancakes (sign says Volcano 30 miles).

After mile-marker 20 there is a left-hand turn lane shortly after a large sign which says End of Road-1 mile. This important left turn is past a green church and in sight of the ocean. A sign will direct you either toKalapana or End of Road. Turn left towards Kalapana, then curve right.

Follow this short road to a stop sign at a T-junction and turn left onto Kalapana-Kapoho Rd/ Coastal Highway 137.

After about 5 miles, between the 17 and 18 mile-markers, and a half-mile beyond Kalapana Sea View Estates, Kalani will be on your left, marked with a lighted entrance sign.

What are the check-in/check-out times?

Check in time is 4:00 pm. You may arrive early, but we cannot guarantee that your room will be available until 4:00 pm. Check out time is 11:00 am. Due to same-day arrivals/departures of large groups, we are not often able to offer late checkouts, and a fee may apply.

Are there telephones available for out-going calls?

Wireless land-line phones are available at Guest Services from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm HST. On-island calls are no additional charge. Long distance cards (for anywhere other than the Big Island) are available at Guest Services for a nominal fee. There is also a pay phone down at our entrance building, Hale Aloha.

Will my cell phone work at Kalani?

We are out of range for most cell phone networks, however there is some limited reception on the property. Guests with AT&T as their service provider seem best able to get a decent signal.

Can I check my email at Kalani?

You can check your email on a Kalani PC for an hourly fee (inquire at reception). If you have a laptop with a wireless card, service is available in several places on property, including Hale Aloha. Usage is free, but please be aware that wireless access is limited in the jungle environment. Large downloads are strongly discouraged (No hogging the network!). Dial-up service is not available.

What to expect – is Kalani suitable for me?

Kalani is a community that celebrates life in ways that embrace a natural lifestyle. We live in harmony with the jungle environment, which means you will probably encounter harmless creatures such as spiders, geckos and mongoose. There are mosquitoes here, so we recommend that you bring a repellent spray. Our accommodations are simple and comfortable, with no televisions or phones. You may view images of our rooms. If you have any questions about your stay, feel free to contact us online or call us at (800) 800-6886 (toll-free in USA and Canada) or (808) 965-7828 (worldwide).

What should I bring?

These items are available in our gift shop, but you may want to bring your own:

Sandals with ankle straps that can be worn in the water (If you will be participating in our adventures).

Spending money for excursions, shopping, etc. (We do not have an ATM on-site)

Sunglasses

Sweatshirt (for cooler evenings)

Swim suit

Tennis shoes or close-toed shoes for walking on lava and hikingItems Provided by Kalani

Ear Plugs

Bedding

Towels

Is alcohol consumption and smoking permitted at Kalani?

Wine and beer are permitted on property, but not sold. Smoking is permitted in designated areas only.

Do you provide transportation to and from the Hilo airport?

We offer transportation for our guests. The price is $45 per person (if more than one person) or $65 for a single pick-up/drop off. The regular taxi rate is about $90.

Do I need to rent a car?

We are located 20 miles from the nearest town, and there is very limited public transportation. There are many natural attractions in the vicinity. These can be visited by taking part in one of our recommended adventures. If you prefer to explore on your own, renting a car from the airport is a good option.

What is the deposit refund policy?

Deposits are nonrefundable.If you change your plans, you can apply the amount to a future stay within 12 months.

Can I bring my children to Kalani?

Children are always welcome here at Kalani. However, we do not provide childcare.

Liability

IMPORTANT: Kalani Honua cannot be held responsible for any accidental damages or injuries caused by actions contrary to our stated policies. Please remember that children under 12 must be with a responsible adult at all times and that we do not allow hard liquor or recreational drugs at our retreat center.

What will the yoga be like?

All of our YOGASCAPES yoga retreats are suitable for both the advanced practitioner and the new yoga student. Our teachers are very experienced at crafting classes where all students feel at home and engaged.

Yoga will take place 1-2 times daily depending on the needs of the group and other activities during certain days.

Is the food included?

Yes, All meals at Kalani will be healthy, delicious and included in your stay!

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Generic FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Style

What can I expect on a YOGASCAPES retreat?

You can expect to explore the most incredible parts of the world, savor delicious flavors daily, and dive into incredible yoga with the best yoga teachers in the world.

Do I need yoga experience?

We welcome yogis of all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced practioners. Yoga retreats are not just for the yogi who practices every day and can touch the floor with their elbows. Our retreats offer opportunities for growth and new experience, no matter how much time you have spent on your mat. Regardless, we suggest keeping an open mind and trying out practices that might be new to you.

How do I pick which yoga retreats to go on?

Start by exploring the Escapes page to see what’s out there, and trust your instincts! We travel to all corners of the world, so whether you are looking to unplug at a tropical oasis, soak in hot springs just a short drive from the city, or gaze into the starry sky in the desert, we offer it all! Check out this blog for more ideas to get you started, and if you have questions, ask!

Can I go on a Retreat by myself?

Yes! About half our participants come alone and often come away with lifelong friends. If you’re traveling alone, a yoga retreat is the best way to meet new people with similar interests in a safe and healthy environment.

How many people will be on the retreats?

Our group sizes depend on which trip you are joining. They reflect our desire to be small and intimate for having a good teacher to student ratio while keeping in mind the joy and community that can come from a certain size group. The trips generally range from 15-25 guests.

What food can I expect?

We will provide almost all of the meals during your trip (2-3 daily), as described in the trip description. We always enjoy delicious food on our retreats and strive to include organic, fresh ingredients as often as possible. Please let us know as soon as you sign up for the trip or before you sign up if you have any special needs; food allergies or other allergies, or any other special needs or conditions, dietary or medical.

What should I bring?

Please see trip description for additional items, but you should generally bring: yoga mat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes and shoes, sunglasses, headlamp, book, journal, reusable water bottle, and a little sense of adventure!

How much free time do we have?

Our retreats include a healthy balance between group activities and solo free time to relax, read a book, take a walk, etc. The days that we have outings planned we will go lighter on the yoga and we generally build in time for participants to go off on their own or simply stay at our retreat center.

When will I receive trip details?

Upon registration, you will receive a welcome message with general trip information. As the date approaches you will receive trip reminders and specifics relevant to your retreat.

What’s Included?
Please refer to the “what’s included” section of each trip for more details, but typically we include all lodging, all breakfasts and most other meals. Each trip varies, but we like to include 1-2 excusions and leave the other days for optional activities. All yoga classes are included. Some trips will include transportation from the airport and all trips will include transportation for listed included activities!

When should I book?

We offer discounts for signing up before certain dates, so the earlier you sign up the better your price may be. Check the specific trip you are interested in to make sure you sign up before the next deadline!

Do I need to book my own flight?

You are responsible for booking your own flight. Each trip will have suggested arrival and departure details based on when we know you need to be in the airport and you can always send us the itinerary before booking if you want to double check it’s correct!

How do I get from the airport to the retreat center?

For most retreats you are responsible for your own airport transfer unless stated otherwise. You can always request support booking your transfer and we are usually able to pair people up to share in the cost.

What is the currency and where do I get it? How much cash will I need?

All of the activities highlighted on the trip page are included in the price. However, we will have free time for you to explore on your own. If you choose to go on any optional excursions you will be responsible for the costs but we will definitely help you arrange anything.

Can I arrive early and stay late?

You will need to purchase your flights in order to arrive/depart by given dates and time ranges for your specific trip. If you choose to arrive earlier or later than given day/time you will be responsible for the cost of transportation needed to join up with the group. We always encourage you to to explore the area, if that option is available to you. At some locations you will be able to arrive early or stay late at the venue itself, while at other locations you will need to stay elsewhere.

Is travel insurance mandatory? How do I purchase it?

Travel insurance for all of our international yoga retreats is mandatory. Unfortunately we cannot allow participation unless proof of travel insurance is sent to us before. Purchase your travel insurance within a week of purchasing your plane flight.

Compare Insurance Options at SquareMouth.com. We highly recommend that you add “cancel for any reason” to your policy. Although normal trip cancellation will cover you for illness or injury, or for a travel companions illness, injury or death, it is limited to these. With “cancel for any reason” you will receive a percentage (usually 75%-100%) of all pre-paid costs. With this coverage if something comes up, a wedding, a new job opportunity, etc. or if YOGASCAPES has to cancel due to weather, staff injury or illness or other unforeseen reasons, you will be covered. *This option needs to be purchased within 15 days of your trip deposit.

For more information please contact the Insurance provider you are looking to purchase with or contact us

Is my ticket refundable?

If cancellation takes place more than 60 days prior to your departure date any payments made will be refunded minus your deposit. If cancellation takes place between 30-60 days prior to your departure, 50% of the trip price will be refunded OR 100% of the trip price minus the deposit will be credited toward another trip. If cancellation takes place less than 30 days prior to your departure date, 100% of the trip price will be forfeited.

Do you have discounts available?

We offer a limited number of early-bird prices and students/teachers/artist rates to make our trips as accessible as possible. We also offer occasional giveaways and specials that can be seen by following us on Facebook.

Payment plan

Please contact us directly if you are interested in payment plan. We want to make our trips accessible to as many people as possible and are open to setting up a payment plan in certain situations.